Abstract [en]

Abstract

Introduction and aim

The aim of the present study was to define the injury pattern in elite floorball during one season and study possible gender differences regarding time of exposure, injury incidence, injury location, distribution between traumatic and overuse injuries and injury severity.

Method

The Swedish Floorball Association, coaches and floorball players were informed about the study during the spring of 2009. Male floorball players (n=122) and female floorball players (n=116) from the premier league were followed prospectively during the season of 2010- 2011. All injuries resulting in absence from training or match play were reported by the medical staff of each floorball team. Data was analyzed descriptively in terms of injury incidence, injury location, type of injury as well as the severity of injury. Statistical analysis was performed regarding any possible differences between male and female floorball players.

Results

There was a statistic gender difference regarding injury incidence during pre-season (p=0.01), season (p=0.002) and the whole study period (p=0.02), regardless of type of injury (trauma or overuse), with a higher injury incidence among females compared to males. The thigh was the most common injury location among male players and the foot was the most common location of injury among female players. There was a statistic gender difference regarding foot injuries (p=0.0003) during the whole study period taking into account both traumatic and overuse injuries, where females represented 72 percent of the injuries compared to 28 percent among males. During the whole study period 22 percent of the males and 34 percent of the females sustained traumatic injuries. There was a statistic gender difference regarding foot injuries (p=0.001) and anterior cruciate ligament injuries (p= 0.02) during the whole study period. The females represented 72 percent of the foot injuries and 85 percent of the anterior cruciate ligament injuries. Overuse injuries were most common among male player whilst traumatic injuries were most common among female players. There was a statistic gender difference regarding overuse injuries in the tibia (p=0.03) during season, where males represented all injuries. “Minor” injuries resulting in abscence from training or matchplay between 1-7 days were most common among both male and female players.

Conclusion

The injury incidence was higher among female compared to male floorball players. Thigh injury was the most common injury among male players and injuries in the foot were most common among female players. Overuse injuries were most common among males whilst traumatic injuries were most common among females. “Minor” injuries resulting in absence between 1-7 days were most common among both male and female floorball players.